Next top Must-Attend Events in Colorado

With the majestic Rocky Mountains serving as a picturesque backdrop, Colorado is an ideal place for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers to visit. However, there's more to this state than just amazing hiking and challenging bike trails; the state is also home to large museums, music festivals, theater productions and much more.

For many years, local and national artists have showcased their works during this three-day event. With many artisans also in attendance, thousands of visitors experience the finest display of art mediums. From whimsical paintings to exquisite pottery, furniture, glass crafts and jewelry, this festival will not disappoint.

Started in 1979 with the screening of adventure films, Mountainfilm has now expanded to include numerous independent film screenings, panel discussions, book signings, and art and photography shows. Student projects are also welcomed. After the festival, the award winning films are screened worldwide.

This early June festival offers local residents and visitors three exciting days of delicious food samplings, wine and beer offerings, even carnival rides for the kids. Numerous musical concerts performed by national and local talent fill the air with their artistic sounds.

This 40-year old festival showcases outstanding bluegrass music. Standard rules are set aside, as well-known and less famous artists take the genre to a higher and more unique level. The party does not end when the sun sets, as late night shows crank up at indoor venues nearby.

Live music, yoga demonstrations, and astrology and meditation workshops are just some of the activities here. Held at the Shadows Ranch in Georgetown, this mid-June festival is two days of immersion in some of the best local music productions, and thought provoking seminars assembled in one place.

Come to Cripple Creek at the end of June. The town's herd of roaming donkeys star in this great two-day event. Main Street becomes an obstacle course for donkey races, as music plays in the background. Dog shows, a steak dinner and street dance fill the days with fun.

Top Things to Do in Colorado

Mesa Verde National Park beckons history fans and adventurers alike. This national park is the largest archaeological reserve in the entire country. In the park, visitors will find impressive cliff dwellings left behind by the Anasazi. Most tourists begin their journey at the visitors center to learn about the history of park, and brave adventurers can investigate the ruins for themselves.

For those who long to spend time near natural beauty, Pikes Peak offers an amazing trip. Visitors can ascend to the top of this 14,110-ft peak through a variety of ways, including a challenging hike or a scenic ride on a cog railroad. Nearby, the Garden of the Gods features unusual crimson peaks and rock formations. This park is a tempting destination for outdoor enthusiasts, and it's littered with trails for both hikers and bikers. Several organizations host races throughout the year, and visitors can almost always find a race to watch or participate in.

After spending time surrounded by Colorado's natural beauty, visitors can make a trip to Denver to connect with the area's history and culture. The Denver Museum of Nature and Science serves as an educational center for residents and tourists and displays artifacts from the region's history. The museum's “Prehistoric Journey” exhibit invites visitors to travel from Earth's beginnings and learn more about dinosaurs and the evolution of life. The Denver Art Museum offers one of the finest collections of Native American artwork in the world. The museum also contains a collection of works by many famous modern artists, from Georgia O'Keeffe to Pablo Picasso.

The Downtown Aquarium is the largest aquarium between California and Chicago and features exhibits of marine and freshwater life from around the world. Highlights of the aquarium include a coral lagoon, a shipwreck and a simulated journey from the Colorado River to the Sea of Cortez.